Robert Mills Architectural Antiques, Narroways Road, Bristol



Look. High up there, against the rotting roof
                                              angels glide
reflected in the fly-blown glass
behind mahogany and marble bars
ancient stains from Guinness pints
                                   or maybe wine
the saints look on, sad as dogs.

Touch that rose window
                       the light
                                 no longer fights
through its dust
         
we were never meant to be as close to heaven
                                             as this.

* Vanessa Gebbie is the author of two short story collections Words from a Glass Bubble and Storm Warning. Vanessa is also contributing editor of Short Circuit, Guide to the Art of the Short Story (all Salt Publishing). She writes a little poetry, has published it here and there, mostly there – and likes this place. Her first novel is being published soon by someone good. She is planning to emigrate to The Bahamas on the proceeds and buy a vintage Rolls Royce. If that doesn't happen, she'll be happy to stay in her East Sussex village and might put up with a Morris Minor. So long as it is painted mauve.